What Are the Treatment Options for Golfer's Elbow?

Golfer's elbow affects the tendon attachment on the inner side of the elbow and may cause pain with gripping, lifting, throwing or bending the wrist. Repeated forearm loading can make the tendon sensitive. Treatment aims to calm the irritability first, then improve the tendon and surrounding muscles' ability to handle the activity that caused the problem.

Temporarily reduce forceful gripping, heavy lifting and repeated wrist flexion, while keeping comfortable movement. Physiotherapy can assess technique, elbow movement and forearm strength, then prescribe a graded loading plan. Progress from manageable exercises to the work, racquet or golf demands that matter to you. Shockwave therapy may be considered for persistent symptoms. A cortisone injection can provide short-term symptom relief in selected cases, but it should be discussed as part of a broader plan rather than used to mask pain during heavy loading.

Arrange an assessment if inner-elbow pain continues, weakens your grip or interferes with work, sport or sleep. Seek prompt care after trauma, or if you develop major swelling, a locked elbow, persistent numbness, hand weakness, fever or a cold or discoloured hand.

Which tendon or nerve is contributing to my symptoms? What load should I reduce first? Which forearm exercises and progression fit my work or sport? Would shockwave therapy or an injection be suitable for my situation?